Duration
Full-time: Varies
Next start date
Flexible start dates
Available locations
Grafton
Points
480
Programme type
Doctorate

Programme overview

The DMedSc offers a robust research focus in your chosen subject. You can leverage years of clinical experience to create a high-quality thesis, enhancing your expertise without pausing your practice. If your study includes retrospective research, you can complete your thesis in as little as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

You can make a real-world impact with your research by addressing clinical and practice challenges. Your thesis could cover a spectrum of projects from unravelling genetic mysteries to assessing public health trends like heart disease prevalence. You may even spearhead a national clinical trial, testing new therapeutic possibilities within your thesis.

More information

The Doctor of Medicine was renamed the Doctor of Medical Sciences in 2024.

Programme structure

During the DMedSc, you would usually do research for three to four years full-time or eight years part-time.

  • On entering the DMedSc programme, you will be enrolled provisionally.
  • By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the DMedSc programme.
  • After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination, usually after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process may include an oral exam.
  • There is a provision for candidates to report on original research completed before entry to the DMedSc programme, provided it has not been submitted as part of a previous degree or diploma.
  • The use of research prior to enrolment can reduce the enrolment period to 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

For more information and advice, contact a Student Hub.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    N/A
    • MBChB
    • Evidence of significant research experience

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities. You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent N/A
    • MBChB
    • Evidence of significant research experience
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Supervision and research requirements

Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.

You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.

All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.

Programme-specific requirements

You must have at least five years’ professional experience in medical practice.

How to apply

Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Doctor of Medical Sciences cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,847.60*
International students
NZ$55,408.80*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Eligible candidates can enrol and start their DMedSc programme at any time of year. If you are a New Zealand student, you must enrol within 3 months of your unconditional offer. If you are an International student, you must enrol in the programme within 6 months of your unconditional offer.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

As part of the application process for the DMedSc, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.

Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can also look at supervisor profiles and research projects currently available through Discovery Profiles, or contact the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for further advice.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

You will gain the skills to tackle complex clinical and practice issues, making you an asset in diverse and influential roles within the health workforce. These could include clinical leadership, academia and research, specialist positions, healthcare administration and consultancy. You'll emerge as a leader in your profession, advancing and sharing knowledge. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland:
(09) 923 5025
Outside Auckland:
0800 61 62 63
International:
+64 9 373 7513